with the regularity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with the regularity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the frequency or consistency of an action or event in comparison to something else. Example: "He arrives at the office with the regularity of a clock, never late and always punctual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He has Wednesday-night cocktails with the regularity of a churchgoer.

The New York Times

Mike Pelfrey lost, which happens with the regularity of a traffic-free commute at rush hour.

The New York Times - Sports

… Stewart's men, with the regularity of a machine, worked their guns upon the enemy".

The New York Times

New York City is lucky that it doesn't face blackouts with the regularity of India or South Africa.

The New York Times

Missed opportunities in research strategy show up with the regularity of fireflies on a hot summer night.

The New York Times

Michael Savage AHMED CHALABI Few Iraqi politicians have displayed the knack of making enemies with the regularity of Ahmed Chalabi.

Independent

He tends to talk about the great value and great quality at Waitrose with the regularity of a politician eager to get across a key message.

The Guardian - Business

And it's why it so disappointing when, with the regularity of hot days in the summer, news comes that yet another sprinter has tested positive.

The New Yorker

If Lemonheads have long been arriving and departing with the regularity of rural buses, then Dando has at least stumbled across a lineup to aid their rehabilitation.

The Guardian - Music

A man with grey beard, loose white T-shirt and sandals silently paces around the cellblock, appearing and disappearing from our view with the regularity of a comet.

The Guardian

But after years of absorbing -- and doling out -- physical abuse near the basket, the indomitable O'Neal had grown frustrated with the regularity of roughhouse play down low.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with the regularity of" when you want to draw a comparison between the frequency of one event and the well-known consistency of another. For example, "The train arrives on time with the regularity of the sunrise."

Common error

Avoid using "with the regularity of" in situations where a simpler phrase like "regularly" or "frequently" would suffice. Overusing complex comparisons can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with the regularity of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, adding information about the frequency or consistency of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with the regularity of" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the consistent and predictable nature of an event or action. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally suitable, it is crucial to avoid overusing it, as simpler alternatives like "regularly" or "frequently" may sometimes be more appropriate. It is important to know that some suitable alternatives are "on a regular basis" or "as clockwork". Its clear communicative purpose and consistent usage make it a reliable choice for expressing frequency and consistency in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the punctuality of

Focuses specifically on the timeliness and precision of an event.

with predictable consistency

Highlights both the predictability and the consistency of an event.

on a regular basis

Replaces "with the regularity of" with a simpler, more direct expression of consistent occurrence.

in a consistent manner

Focuses on the consistent way in which something is done or happens.

as clockwork

Uses a metaphor to convey the idea of something happening with perfect timing and predictability.

like clockwork

Similar to "as clockwork", emphasizing precision and predictability.

with unwavering frequency

Emphasizes the persistence and high frequency of an event.

at regular intervals

Emphasizes that the occurrences happen after a set amount of time.

like a recurring event

Highlights the repetitive nature and predictability of an occurrence.

as a matter of routine

Suggests that something happens because it is part of an established habit or process.

FAQs

How can I use "with the regularity of" in a sentence?

Use "with the regularity of" to compare the consistent occurrence of one event to another well-known, consistent event. For instance, "The seasons change "with the regularity of" a ticking clock".

What are some alternatives to "with the regularity of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on a regular basis", "as clockwork", or "with predictable consistency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with the regularity of" or "regularly"?

"With the regularity of" is more emphatic and comparative, suggesting a strong, predictable pattern, while "regularly" simply indicates that something happens often. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "with the regularity of" and "with the consistency of"?

While both phrases convey a sense of predictability, "with the regularity of" emphasizes the frequency and timing of an event, whereas "with the consistency of" highlights the unchanging nature or quality of something. It's better to say "with the regularity of" X happens but X has "with the consistency of" Y.